Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

    Recently in talking with my roommates about China, I was looking up
    some scripture about persecution written by Paul.  I knew it was in
    Timothy and using my mind and not my computer, I stumbled across some
    verses that really spoke to me. But first let me give you the subject
    on which we were discussing.
    
    We were talking about change in China and is China changeable.  
    My roommates were at Tiananmen [sp] square 5 years ago. 
    Liong lost his shoes as he was running so fast from the bullets, they
    flipped off.  
    
    The focus of our conversation turned towards "human rights".  Liong was
    saying that Christianity could change China's lack of humanitarian
    policy.  I disagreed.  Our forefathers came to this country for almost
    the same exact reason, freedom.  The countries from which they
    came, did not support their desire for freedom.  I know that freedom of
    religion in the past was taught to American students as a reason
    for the establishment of this country.  I couldn't help but wonder if
    the pilgrims had a similar conversation as the one in my living room
    was unfolding... and that's when I found this:
    
    2 Timothy 2:24-26
    
    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
    men, apt to teach, patient,
    
    In meekness instructing those that oppose *themselves*, if God
    peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the
    truth;
    
    And that they may recover *themselves* out of the snare of the devil,
    who are taken captive by him at his will.
    
    I find that throughout the Bible, Christians were always persecuted. 
    Human rights for Christians was a problem from the very beginning,
    otherwise there wouldn't have been a need for Moses.
    
    And then it dawned on me... [I know this note seems like a tangled web, but
    if you'll bear with me, you'll see how it ties together.] our focus is
    not ourselves, it's not our human rights, Christians have been
    persecuted in every country in the world until this country was
    established.  Our focus is others... notice in the verses above that
    our involvement for instructing, teaching, is not for the betterment of
    self, but for the salvation of souls, the well being of others.  Please
    notice carefully the words *themselves* [emphasis mine of course] in
    the text above from Timothy.
    
    This country was established in order to give God the glory to be able
    to worship him freely without fear of punishment or persecution... and
    now this country is also shutting God out and Christians will soon find
    themselves back under persecution.  It's apparent in this file, that
    Christianity of the Bible is non palatable to many.  Christianity is
    being changed from right to wrong, as it is being redefined by the 
    populous.  However, that does not change Truth, it only makes way for
    the deceiver.
    
    Therefore, human rights for Christians is a misnomer... if we are to
    give God glory, it means surrendering our rights over to Him.  And then
    letting Him use us to minister to others.  
    
    

    Is this the best we can do?
    

 I would hope Christ is glorified in my life as I serve Him in my church..in
 my duties as an usher, greeting people with a smile and a handshake and 
 helping them find their way around our church, as I serve Him on our bus
 ministry, showing His love to children who show signs of not receiving any
 love, on visitation as my friend Ron and I go out and get acquainted with
 folks, with my own children as they see the changes in their Dad's life
 since I recommitted my life to Him, and in my own life where I have
 left behind things of this world to press onward toward the prize..


 May He be glorified in all that I do..


 Jim

re: Note 931.3 by Nancy  "Sweet Spirit's Gentle Breeze"
 
Nancy, I think Richard was commenting on the fact that you were the only
person to reply.  Nothing to feel bad about.  It was, I believe, a compliment.

Peace,

Jim

    .5
    
    Well, it's all in the eye of the beholder [and track records of
    course]. :-) :-)
    
    Forgive me for being ultra sensitive.

    I agree with Jim. I too thought Richard was saying that after two days
    only one person had responded to this topic. Especially given the
    flurry of activity in other topics.

    But you know what they say, "No good deed will go unpunished", and
    "Behind every silver lining there is a cloud."

    Eric
    
    PS. I certainly *hope* Richard wasn't being condescending toward Nancy's
        note. 

      -< Psst... They're not *always* out to get you. >-
    
    Are you sure?  +;-)+  [:-}]
    
    Double dog donuts... how do you do a smiley face in a straight jacket?
    

   >... how do you do a smiley face in a straight jacket?
    
    Errr, you mean the smiley face is in a staight jacket, or you're in a
    straight jacket? :^)

    I pray that I glorify the Lord in the music He gives me to play.

    <<< Note 931.0 by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE "Pacifist Hellcat" >>>
                  -< In my life, Lord, be glorified!  Be glorified! >-
    
   >> How in our lives might God be glorified?
    
    
Hallo Richard,
    
     There are a multitude of ways how teh True God could be
     glorified in our lives.
    
    First; We have Jesus Christ who gave us a lot of examples 
    how start.
    
    Second; We have Apostle Paul who walked in the footstep of Christ.
    
    To glorify God in our lives is to get aquainted with him through
    his Word the Bible.
    
    Start from the beginning; 
    When the all tribes of Israel saw what Jehovah God did with
    Pharao and his warriors, they all started to sing ; beginning
    with Miriam, Moses' sister.
    
    Thats one way to glorify God.
    Step into Christ footstep is another way.
    Matt 28:19-20 is another way to glorify God in our lives
    By preaching the good news of Gods coming Kingdom here on earth.
    
    Next time more.
    
    
    regards.
    Alex
    
     

    
    I pray that I would glorify God in my thought life, in my actions, in
    my words, in my finances, in the use of my time, in my treatment of
    others, in how I do my job, in not only reading His Word but doing it, 
    through my prayers, and in my heart.
    
    Jill